The Rule of Law - John Lescroart

The Rule of Law - John Lescroart

Publication date:  Jan 22, 2019

She read

This is the latest in the long running Dismas Hardy series.  All the familiar characters are here; some with changed circumstances. Wes Farrell has been defeated as DA by the up and coming but unscrupulous Ron Jameson who harbors some devastating secrets.  Those familiar with this series know that Hardy, Farrell, Gina Roake, and their pal, Abe Glitsky, have secrets of their own. It all comes to a head when Hardy’s long time assistant, Phyllis, is arrested as accessory to murder after the fact.

This book is very suspenseful as investigators on both sides work to unravel those secrets.  Despite feeling that the ending was a bit contrived, I really liked The Rule of Law.  It was so engrossing, I didn’t want to put it down.

If you haven’t read the prior Dismas Hardy novels, this can read as a stand alone; Lescroart fills in the necessary background information.  But, treat yourself and go back and read the prior books in the series.  It’s fun to follow the professional progress as well as the aging of the characters.

Never Tell - Lisa Gardner

Never Tell - Lisa Gardner

She read

Publication Date:  Feb. 19, 2019

Hard to believe, but I think this is my first Lisa Gardner book…certainly my first in the D. D. Warren series.

A husband is shot dead and his computer obliterated.  Suspicion falls on his pregnant wife who is recognized by Detective Warren
as someone who accidentally shot her father sixteen years ago.  But, all is not as it seems……

Told from three different viewpoints, all the lies and secrets did stretch credibility a bit, but I found this an engrossing read.  It is well written, with strong character development, and twists and turns that leave the reader guessing and second guessing throughout.  

The Moroccan Girl - Charles Cumming

The Moroccan Girl - Charles Cumming

He and She read

Publication date: Feb. 12, 2018

The author of popular espionage novels is approached by someone seemingly in the Service to deliver something to Morocco and help in the search for a young woman tied to a revolutionary group gone rogue in its attacks on right wing politicians and media.

I liked this book.  It is a spy novel without too much shoot ‘em up or unrealistic action.  The topic, and especially the ending, is very timely and perhaps somewhat  frighteningly prescient.   Lots of twists and turns, some of them predictable, some unexpected which keeps the reader guessing throughout. The ending hints at future novels featuring this protagonist.

And, by the way, He liked the book also!

The Perfect Liar - Thomas Christopher Greene

The Perfect Liar - Thomas Christopher Greene

he and she read

Publication date: January 15, 2019

Although a good psychological thriller with expected and unexpected twists and turns, I had difficulty getting into this book.  I didn’t like the characters, not so much their actions, but more their crass language and the idea of a therapist sleeping with a patient really bothered me (more so than some of the other unspeakable acts!).  Near the end, I found myself skimming over much of the story  just to get through it.  Despite that, I ended up liking it!

Long Road to Mercy - David Baldacci

Long Road to Mercy - David Baldacci

He and she read

The latest Baldacci character is FBI agent Atlee Pine, stationed in the southwest.  A strong female character (in more ways than one!), she is a typical Baldacci hero who escapes many dangerous situations, even when outnumbered.

Once upon a time, I would have thought the main premise behind the plot a bit fantastical.  Given Washington of today, however, I found it a lot less so remote.

Baldacci has set himself up for a follow up novel and his fans will enjoy this new series.  

Look Alive Twenty-Five - Janet Evanovich

Look Alive Twenty-Five - Janet Evanovch

She read

The twenty fifth Stephanie Plum novel.  All the familiar characters are here in all their Jersey craziness.  Does the plot really matter?

Yes, I know they are silly, but I usually enjoy these books. The ridiculous situations and the colorful characters are all very entertaining.  Maybe it's the Jersey setting/jokes/lifestyle that gets to me as that is where I am originally from.  Yes, the characters are predictable, but I expect them to be.  Yes, the relationships don't progress, but, really, they are living in Trenton!!!!

I would have like a little more of Grandma Mazur…….

As Long as We Both Shall Live - JoAnn Chaney

As Long as We Both Shall Live - JoAnn Chaney

She read

Publication date: January 15, 2019


Matt’s wife Marie has fallen from a cliff while they were hiking high above a raging river.  As the detectives delve into the case, they find that Matt’s first wife also died in an unusual manner.  A body is found.  Secrets are discovered.  What is going on? To avoid spoilers, I will say no more about the plot. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed this read.

If Gone Girl  resonated with you, then this book will also.  I loved the authors sense of humor (albeit dark)  in her observations of marriage.